Master’s Degree in Forensic Toxicology

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Master’s Degree in Forensic Toxicology

The Forensic Toxicology concentration is provided by UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine. It focuses on general and advanced principles of toxicology, forensic toxicology, and drug metabolism providing a strong foundation in analytical techniques, pharmacokinetics, drug elimination, and toxicology. Modules in forensic pharmacology, doping control, postmortem toxicology, expert testimony, and QA/QC procedures are also featured. This program may be of interest to those currently working or seeking employment in the following areas:

Crime laboratories

Medical examiner offices

Police departments

Criminal defense and prosecution attorneys

Hospital and clinical chemistry laboratories

Pharmaceutical companies

High school science teachers

Upon completion of this program, graduates will earn a Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Sciences and a concentration in Forensic Toxicology issued by the Graduate School of the University of Florida. The transcripts will read Master of Science, graduation date, major Veterinary Medical Sciences, concentration Forensic Toxicology. The diploma will read Master of Science issued by the Graduate School.

Forensic Toxicology Master’s Program - Course Overview

Core-Required Courses

Core-required courses must be completed before your final semester and should be completed before the required courses.

Elective Courses

Elective courses can be taken in addition to the previous 32 credits. They can be taken before graduation or completed in your final semester. These courses are not required and can be taken in any order.

Recommended Course Order

The following is a recommended course order for students pursuing a master’s degree in forensic toxicology:

Forensic Toxicology I should be taken before Forensic Toxicology II.

General Toxicology is recommended before Drug Biotransformation & Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity and Toxic Substances.

Forensic Medicine I should be taken before Forensic Medicine II.

Lab QA/QC and Applied Statistics for Data Analysis can be taken anytime.

Special Topics and Literature Survey should be taken in the final semester.

Course Syllabus Catalog

The general course policies and the most recent course syllabus catalog are available as a PDF for download here.

Requirements To Earn Degree

In order to graduate, you must meet the following conditions:

Completion of all required courses and necessary electives (32 total credits)

Only courses completed with a grade of C or higher can be counted toward a degree

An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher

A major GPA of 3.0 or higher

Grade Requirements

The only passing grades for graduate students are A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, and C. Please note C+ and C grades count toward the degree only if an equal number of courses numbered 5000 or higher have been earned with B+, A-, or A, respectively. If a grade of C- or below is earned, the student will need to re-take the course when it is offered again to have it count toward a M.S. degree.

Please also note, as stated below, courses taken before being in the M.S. status must be earned as a B grade or higher to transfer toward the M.S. degree. Grades earned with a B- or less will not transfer.

Transferring Credits Toward a Master’s Degree

A maximum of 15 transfer credits are allowed to count toward a M.S. degree. These can include no more than 9 credits from institutions approved by UF, with the balance obtained from non-degree and/or certificate courses at the University of Florida. These courses must be graduate-level (5000–7999) and earned with a grade of B or better, and the course(s) cannot have been taken longer than 7 years from the term you begin as a M.S. student. To have credits reviewed for transfer from another university, please email dess@ahc.ufl.edu with the following:

Copy of your transcript (including a transcript key usually found on the back of the transcript)

Course syllabus to review what was covered in the course

Course(s) you would like to be considered for transfer and course(s) you think the course(s) will replace in UF’s forensic science program

We will forward the request to the Supervisory Committee for your major who will then make a decision. Also, if your official transcript is not already on file with the Office of Admissions, please send it to:

Special Topics Course

The 1-credit Special Topics course will consist of 3 days of reviews, oral examination, and comprehensive final examination. Refer to the Critical Dates page for specific dates the course will be held each term.

Examinations

In addition to tests, examinations, and other assessments incorporated in the individual courses, master’s degree students will be required to take a comprehensive final examination on the courses covered in this program.